“Get Out or Get Shot”

After John Slaughter became sheriff of Cochise County in 1887 he issued a warning to the rustler gangs, “get out or get shot.”

Most took his advice and left the country. In running outlaws to the ground he frequently acted as judge, jury and executioner. The law-abiding citizens were glad the undesirables were gone and wouldn’t return.

Not even Pancho Villa was willing to tangle with the man he called, “the wicked little gringo.”

His last battle occurred at age eighty-one when he and his wife, held off several bandits who were out to rob the ranch.